Many people have stopped drinking and stayed off alcohol with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. Find out how the program works.

Related

Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12-step program to help people overcome alcohol addiction. Why is it still such a good treatment choice for many people? Because throughout its long history, research has consistently shown that long-term participation in AA helps people remain sober for the long haul.

Overcoming Alcoholism: The Principles of AA

There are several core concepts that make AA work for people who actively participate:

Singleness of purpose. This means that members participating in AA meetings stay focused on alcohol-related issues.

Accepting your problem. AA emphasizes that the first step toward recovery from alcohol abuse is acknowledging your alcohol addiction. Without doing this, people are unlikely to stay motivated in recovery.

Yielding control to a higher power. AA does not promote one religion over another, but emphasizes that ultimate control lies elsewhere.

Overcoming Alcoholism: The Benefits of AA

One of the primary benefits of AA is that it provides social support when you need it most. In order to be successful in recovery, you may have to change relationships with family and friends. AA gives you a much-needed “sober support network” during this time. While your family and friends can also be good sources of support, AA is only for people who have alcohol addictions. Family members can find others whose friends or relatives are dealing with alcoholism by joining Al-Anon.

For some people, AA also means a deeper spiritual path.

“I find that the 12 steps work in my life as long as I work the steps,” says Michael J., a resident of Moreno Valley, Calif. “The 12 steps coincide with the truths and teachings of the Bible. As I work the principles in the Bible in my life, I am also working the 12 steps. The more I do this, the more I continue to succeed in life.”

Overcoming Alcoholism: About the Program

Here are some answers to common questions about AA:

What is the commitment like? AA requires a long-term commitment. Members receive acknowledgement when they have been sober for significant periods of time, but ultimately, progress is all about continuing to do the hard work, says Michael J.

“We progress by attending the meetings and operating the 12-step program and also by voluntary service for a lifetime,” he explains. There is no graduation or completion of AA. “It's a lifetime tool for success,” he adds.

How do I find a meeting? You can find meetings through the Alcoholics Anonymous Web site. However, it may take you a while to find a group of people who are similar to you and with whom you are comfortable sharing your struggle with alcohol. For example, a single woman might prefer to meet with a group of other women in recovery. If the first meeting you attend isn't for you, don't give up. There are many different AA groups in many locations, and it may take a couple tries before you find the one that's right for you.

What will my first meeting be like? Not all AA meetings are alike, but many open with a standard reading and the serenity prayer. Group members usually introduce themselves using only their first names. You can introduce yourself during this time — but only if you want to. After introductions there is often a brief reading of AA literature and a topic for discussion. You can share your thoughts based on your experience with alcohol — again, if you want to.

“Individuals give their testimonies as to how they suffered from their alcoholism addiction and how they are overcoming their battle day by day,” Michael J explains.

Meetings usually end after an hour with a collection of voluntary donations and a prayer.

Alcoholics Anonymous has been helping people for nearly 75 years; and with its outlook of hope through hard work and spiritual belief, it's the right choice for many who are trying to overcome addiction to alcohol.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about
your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of
interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make
choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here.